Video Cameras?

[CSpaced]

Hey Gang,

The short version:
I'm looking for a new video camera.

The long version:
I'm looking to replace my trusty Sony DCR-IP5, it's almost nine years old now and is starting to show signs of age. Also, the software for loading the video onto the computer is outdated and incompatible with all the latest versions of quicktime, and this new O/S Vista will only download the whole tape instead of only what I want.

So, things I liked about my Sony.
The viewfinder - much easier to track objects (like planes!) than with the side screen. In fact the only time I use the side screen is when I'm showing someone what they just did.
Stereo mic - for getting those warbird passes.
Zoom - it has an awesome 10x optical zoom with super steady shot.
Firewire interface - thats just a given.
It was reliable and I've never had a problem with it.

Things I didn't like.
Stereo mic - for some reason it was right up by my nose so all my video sounds like it was shot by Darth Vader.
MicroMV cassette - umm yeah - not quite the advanced tech they thought it would be.
Battery - would be nice to have had longer battery life.
Weight - it was super light and for the most part that is a good thing except when I'm filming stuff I can't keep the camera steady.
No real ability to alter exposure or film speed.

So what am I looking for in a new camera? Everything!

First of all, I don't want to have to sell off my 33%'er to buy it, and yet I'd like something on a little more of a pro level.
Maybe something with a shoulder mount?
It has to be firewire compatible so I can progressively download video.
It would be nice if I could adjust exposure and film speed (to some degree).
A decent optical zoom is a must.
A good viewfinder, battery life, and all that good stuff.

So for all you camera gurus out there, let's hear what you've got or suggestions you might have. I haven't shopped for a video camera in the last nine years so I'm clueless as to what is available.

Thanks for taking the time to read!
Chris.

[Plane_Reaction]

Dad and I just went through that very same thing. We didn't want to spend a lot but we wanted good quality footage when we fly. I looked at almost everything out there for under 600 bucks and what we decided with is the JVC HDD Everio GZ- MG360BU. I am very impressed with its features and quality. It is priced at 549.99 Not a bad price when the good ones are in the thousands. lol

[CSpaced]

Looks like a good camera, it would be nice if it had a viewfinder too.

[CSpaced]

Well, been looking at the web for the last couple of hours. I think I'm going to add to the list HD, 24p, and 3CCD. Ka-ching!

Does anyone use the JVC GZ-HD7?

[CSpaced]

For anyone interested, after long nights of review reading, comparisons, and head scratching, I ended up going with the Canon HV30. Its HD, can do 30p and 24p, and records onto minidv tapes in true HDV format (no AVCHD here).

I also discovered, and was amazed by, the amount of prominent looking electronics websites that are complete frauds. You have to be real careful when shopping online for electronics and if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is.